Potato farmers will be able to tap into new markets and increase their profitability with an investment from the federal government.
Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Egmont), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, recently announced an investment to help find export markets for Canadian varieties of seed potatoes.
“Our government is committed to expanding export markets to help potato growers boost their bottom lines and be more competitive on the world stage,” said Shea.
“By learning more about our export potential, more consumers around the world will be able to enjoy great-tasting, high-quality Canadian potatoes.”
The investment of $36,000 will allow the Prince Edward Island Potato Board to work with Canadian potato breeders to select newly registered varieties of seed potatoes that have commercial potential in export markets.
Samples of each selected variety will be put through trials in order to determine which are best suited for countries in various climate zones. This will help create a stable supply of Canadian-bred varieties that growers can tap into to compete in the international marketplace.
“The PEI and New Brunswick potato industries are working together on this project to increase our competitiveness in the area of variety development,” said Greg Donald, general manager of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board.
“We want to increase our collaboration with public and private Canadian breeders so that our growers and dealers have high-quality, uniquely Canadian varieties that suit our customers’ market conditions in North America and abroad.”
The investment is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP), a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.
For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap.
